I have to admit that this is the first time I see an ankle-wrap sandal in which the ‘wrap’ doesn’t exactly wrap, tie, buckle, or is held together by snaps or buttons–instead, it coils around the ankle. I wonder how ‘hard’ or ‘elastic’ the coil is so that it actually stays put in place. At any rate, an elegant creation in gold leather and amber stones from Rene Caovilla, and also stunningly sexy (though I couldn’t wear it for the life of me). If you’re into that sort of thing, these platform sandals are $875 at Neiman Marcus.

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Still in limbo between winter and spring? I give you something to cheer up: this gorgeous AND sensible pump from the 2006/2007 Christian Lacroix Fall collection, a delicious confection in white, red, and black. The pale, satiny shade of winter is enlivened by a contrast fiery-hot (and also comfortable!) heel and the silver jewel detailing on the black vamp. Style and sophistication–for a price (ahem) undisclosed. Still, beautiful to look at…

And here’s a variation in the same colors, but in a flat and without the jewels, available for $500 at Neiman Marcus:

I agree that they would be kind of hard to coordinate without risking to look too ‘busy’, ‘ornate’ or ‘festive’, but hey, if someone gave these to me as a gift, I wouldn’t mind trying!

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I’m oddly attracted to this Kate Spade ‘Cassidy’ number. I guess the combination Mary Jane, kitten heels, and green suede just spells ‘I’m cute!’ The brogue-inspired style is also not entirely unappealing. I can imagine them paired with wide leg pants and some kind of jabot blouse, with some pretty coordinating accents (retro hair with some bow or trim in it, red lipstick). There is a brown/stucco (beige) version, too, but I prefer the moss. If you’re into this sort of thing, they go for $265 on Zappos.

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Don’t you, some times, crave for something new, something off the beaten path, but still something wearable and elegant? (the latter is often quite more difficult to achieve than the former, and the combination of the two is a hard one).

If you do, here’s a website for you: Te casan, a brand new group founded in 2006 by ‘global investors’, who attracted six young, innovative designers with impressive resumes (Alexander McQueen, Versace, Dries van Noten, Dolce & Gabbana, etc.). Their aim is to ‘redefine’ luxury by keeping prices a little below your average Manolo Blahniks (pumps are typically under $300) and by producing limited editions–each shoe is only produced in 30 to 60 pairs. Having something so very few other people have–now, that’s luxury! You can browse their designers’ offerings on their website. Oh, yes, I really like that they name their designers so you can associate a name and an ‘inspiration’ for each model. Here are, for your viewing pleasure, a few pumps from their collection, all priced at about $275. Enjoy!

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Let’s inaugurate a weekly column: ‘Spot the Shoe’ Monday, in which we spot a shoe on sale at a variety of online outlets and let you know about it. Here’s this week’s featured shoe–which is, in accordance with the frozen landscape outside, a cozy boot:

Isn’t this just what the (shoe) doctor order for a cold, snowy day? This is the Cole Haan ‘Calum’ tall boot in a beautiful ‘Golden Safari’ suede with shearling lining and trim. I’m a big fan of Cole Haan since I discovered their ‘G-series’, which have got to be one of the most comfortable line of shoes on the market today, sort of sport meets style meets comfort. Since they’ve incorporated the Nike ‘Air’ technology, Cole Haan shoes have gained widespread appreciation amongst comfort-loving fashionistas (you can read more about Nike ‘Air’ technology here). This particular boot does not employ that technology, but it’s comfortable nevertheless (thick, shock-absorbing rubber sole, moderate heel with platform, waterproof suede). Today you can find this cozy boot, originally priced at $365, for sale as follows:

- at Saks for $150, but only in a size 5;

- at Cole Haan Online, for $230, in almost all sizes (and also in black);

- or at Nordstrom ’s for $244, 33% off, in a good variety of sizes.

Happy bargain hunting!

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